Plans to demolish police station submitted

Plans to redevelop the site of Ripon Police Station on North Street with high-quality retirement living apartments have been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council.

Police confirmed in October 2014 that the station would be sold for the retirement homes, with a new station pledged for the city within 18 months.

The planning application by McCarthy and Stone would deliver 31 one- and two- bedroom apartments with 24 on-site parking spaces set in professionally landscaped gardens.

McCarthy and Stone carried out consultation on its early proposals, including a public exhibition held in December, to which more than 900 residents, businesses and stakeholders were invited.

Steve Secker, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone (Northern Region), said: “We are encouraged by the positive feedback that our proposals received throughout the consultation process and would like to thank all those who took the time to provide us with their views.

“We hope that members and officers at Harrogate Borough Council will also see the benefits of the scheme when determining the application as we believe that there is a need for this type of housing in Ripon.”

The retirement housebuilder also said that the site was “ideally located” to provide specialist retirement accommodation with the town centre being a 10- minute walk away.

The decision on whether the plans go-ahead now lies with Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee which is likely to vote on the planning application in the coming months.

While it is not confirmed where in the city a new police base would be a spokesman has said that options are already under consideration.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “North Yorkshire Police is currently working on plans for the police presence in Ripon as part of a wider strategy to review our estates and provide the best possible service we can to the public.”

In July 2011, front counter opening hours at the Ripon station were slashed by almost half as the North Yorkshire force battled with a funding shortfall of up to £20m.